Impotence or erection dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among men characterized by the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or the inability to achieve ejaculation, or both.
It is also a condition that consistently affects a person’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection, or ability to achieve ejaculation.
Impotence or erection dysfunction is the ability of a male to attain and keep an erection sufficiently firm to engage in or complete sexual intercourse. In some cases, impotence can be associated with health problems that can lead to serious, even life-threatening and complication
Types:
Sexual desire disorders; involve a lack or absence of sexual drive which also referred to as a low libido.
Orgasm disorders; may be caused by physical factors, illness or even as a result of using certain medications.
Sexual pain disorders; are mainly confined to women and are caused by inadequate lubrication of the vagina during sex.
Causes:
Impotence often has a negative effect on sex life, and this can cause additional stress, depression, and low self-esteem. The following are causes of impotence.
Heart disease
Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Symptoms/Signs:
Inability to achieve an erection
Inability to maintain an erection
Complications:
Unsatisfactory sex life
Stress or anxiety
Low self-esteem
Occurrence of relationship problems
Unable to get your partner pregnant
Prevention:
The below preventions will help you maintain a better health, both physical and physiological. This includes:
Lose weight: if you are in the overweight bracket, the excess weight may be putting your cardiovascular system under strain
Quit smoking: this affects blood flow and neuro-signals which normally ensure correct blood flow into the penis;
Avoid drinking too much alcohol (no more than two drinks a day)
Be physically active: just 30min per day can improve your blood flow, and state of mind
Reduce stress and get enough sleep (at least 7 hours a night).
Treatment:
There are a variety of medical treatments that can be used to treat impotence, this are:
Sidenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Vardenafil (Staxyn, Levitra)
Testosterone replacement
Blood vessel surgery
Psychological counseling
References:
Healthline (symptoms and treatments)
Mayo clinic (causes, complication)
Merrian-webster (definition of impotence)
Web md (types and introduction)